Finding Phoebe
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 13+
Personal & Social Issues: Disability & Special Needs Family & Home Stories Personal & Social Issues: Teenage Pregnancy
YA comic drama about 16-year-old Phoebe, who is autistic. When her best friend reveals a big secret, Phoebe’s carefully-ordered world is upturned and she’s seriously pushed out of her comfort zone. Can Phoebe rise to the challenge?
'Totally enchanting, warm and funny' Ciara Smyth, author of Not My Problem
‘Neurodiversity has a voice, and it’s witty and uplifting and enlightening all at once’ Jasper Fforde, author of The Eyre Affair
'A lovely book' Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project
Phoebe is autistic. She prefers to stay in her comfort zone: walking her dog, writing fantasy fiction, surviving school with as few incidents as possible.
When her best (and only) friend rebels and gets a secret boyfriend, Phoebe reluctantly agrees to cover for her. Before long, Phoebe’s dealing with all sorts of things she’d rather not, like deception, fashionable jackets, and the bewildering politics of the school chess club. Breaking the rules has never been Phoebe’s thing, but as events take a seriously unexpected turn, she realises there’s more to her than she ever imagined . . .
Creators
Gavin Extence was born in 1982 and grew up in the interestingly named village of Swineshead, Lincolnshire. From the ages of 5-11, he enjoyed a brief but illustrious career as a chess player, winning numerous national championships and travelling to Moscow and St Petersburg to pit his wits against the finest young minds in Russia. He won only one game. Gavin’s first book – The Universe versus Alex Woods – was a Richard & Judy Book Club choice and one of the Waterstones Eleven; it was also shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize, sold over 100,000 copies and is being developed for the big screen. He lives in Sheffield.
Reviews
A lovely story with a compelling and unique protagonist. Extence tackles a subject that has almost become taboo these days and deserves to see the light in YA fiction
Susin Nielsen
Neurodiversity has a voice, and it’s witty and uplifting and enlightening all at once
Jasper Fforde
Totally enchanting, it’s warm and funny with such a kind heart
Ciara Smyth
